A new forensics nurse program has opened in northwest Kansas to provide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) for rape and incest victims. However, access to these exams is still difficult in rural areas of the state, forcing many victims to travel for hours to find trained nurses. This delay in treatment and evidence collection can have significant consequences for the victims. To address this issue, new legislation was put into effect in July 2022 to increase access to SANE exams.
Currently, only two hospitals in northwest Kansas, Goodland and Hays, have staff who are trained SANEs. Jessica Albers, a SANE from Hays, expressed concern about the lack of access to rape kits and SANE exams. Many victims have to travel across the state to receive these services, which can be incredibly challenging and traumatic, especially after experiencing a sexual assault.
HaysMed’s SANE program has seen an increase in the number of victims seeking help. In 2022, the program cared for 43 victims from Ellis County and 106 victims from 23 Kansas counties. However, not all hospitals have 24/7 coverage, and some health care facilities may not even be aware that providing sexual assault exams is required by the law.
The new legislation aims to expand where kits can be collected, including health clinics, health departments, and child advocacy clinics. This is expected to increase access to SANE exams for victims in rural communities, where health departments or clinics may be their only healthcare choice.
The role of a SANE is crucial in providing specialized exams for victims, collecting evidence, and offering emotional support. However, there is concern that providers who are not trained SANEs may retraumatize victims and collect evidence improperly, making it inadmissible in court.
The goal of SANE exams is to ensure the health and safety of the victims while also collecting evidence to hold perpetrators accountable. By increasing access to these exams and improving awareness of the services available, communities can better support survivors of sexual assault and reduce the barriers they face in seeking justice.
